Introducing a New Approach to Ranking Club and National Lacrosse Teams

The world of youth and high school lacrosse is evolving rapidly, and with it comes the need for greater clarity and fairness in how teams are categorized and ranked. One of the most significant developments is the separation of rankings between traditional Club Lacrosse teams and National Lacrosse teams. This distinction not only reflects the structural differences between these types of teams but also addresses a frequent request from the lacrosse community every time our rankings are released.

What Defines a Club Lacrosse Team?

Traditional Club Lacrosse teams are rooted in their local or regional communities. These teams typically draw players from a specific geographic area and focus on developing talent within their region. Club programs emphasize consistent training throughout the year, local competition, and the cultivation of long-term relationships between players and coaches who often assist in achieving long-term career goals, such as playing at the next level. They often participate in tournaments and events designed to showcase regional talent.

What Defines a National Lacrosse Team?

National Lacrosse teams, on the other hand, bring together players from multiple Club teams across the country. These teams are often formed for specific experiential tournaments or event series, such as The Circuit, Club Nationals, Holiday Bowl, or Sandstorm. The primary goal of National teams is to provide players with the unique opportunity to travel across the country, compete in high-profile events, and play alongside athletes from other clubs. Often, these teams only practice briefly—sometimes just the day before a tournament—to acclimate players to one another. While National teams can showcase exceptional talent, being labeled as a National team does not inherently make them better than Club teams. Rankings reflect performance consistently across both categories.

Why the Need for Separate Rankings?

The separation of rankings between Club and National teams addresses several key challenges:

1. Fair Competition: Club teams, limited by regional player pools, often face an uneven playing field when competing against National teams that draw players from a broader geographic area.

2. Recognition of Effort: Separating rankings ensures that the achievements of both Club and National teams are acknowledged and celebrated within their respective contexts.

3. Enhanced Transparency: Clear distinctions between the two types of teams help players, parents, and coaches better understand the competitive landscape.

Moving Toward a Regulated System

Currently, there are no universal regulations to determine whether a team qualifies as a Club or National team based on geographic player distribution. However, organizations like USA Lacrosse, the National Lacrosse Federation (NLF), and events utilizing applications such as Player Authenticate are taking significant steps toward establishing a more structured and competitive framework. These efforts aim to:

• Standardize definitions and criteria for Club and National teams.

• Ensure fair play by monitoring player eligibility and team composition.

• Foster a more level playing field that benefits players at all levels.

The Impact on the Lacrosse Community

This new approach to ranking and categorization is a game-changer for the lacrosse community. By distinguishing between Club and National teams, players can enjoy more meaningful competition, organizations can better align their goals, and fans can appreciate the unique qualities of each type of team. Ultimately, these changes contribute to the growth and integrity of the sport.

As the lacrosse landscape continues to evolve, the collaboration between governing bodies, event organizers, and technology platforms will be essential in shaping a brighter future for the game. Whether you’re part of a traditional Club program or a National team, the emphasis remains the same: fostering a love for lacrosse and providing players with opportunities to excel on and off the field.